Fort Worth, TX—In advance of the American Paint Horse Association’s (APHA) annual Workshop in Grapevine, Texas, June 3-5, the Association’s Executive Committee met to vote upon a revised proposal for World Show qualifying.

APHA Senior Director of Show & Contest Holly Nelson made the formal announcement during a Friday morning meeting to the Board of Directors that beginning in 2012, qualification will be required at APHA World Shows.

Regional Clubs are the heart of the APHA, and support of these grassroots clubs is vital to the growth of the Paint Horse industry. APHA’s qualifying is strictly participation-based, and on the horse only. This is a multi-tiered benefit, by encouraging people to get involved with clubs in their area, thereby building entries for regional APHA-approved shows throughout the year, as well as providing a selling point to potential buyers for horses that have been qualified.

World Show qualifying is not a new point of discussion, and has been under consideration for quite some time. During discussion of a participation-based World Show qualifying concept at the 2009 Convention, the Amateur, Youth, Breed Improvement and Show & Contest committees were all in favor of the concept. Their support continued at the 2010 Workshop along with additional committees reporting strong support during the closing meeting.

Of the APHA membership who participated in a http://www.apha.com/pressroom/10_qualifyingapproved.htmlsurvey to solicit input on World Show qualification, in the fourth quarter of 2009, two-thirds (66.21%) were in favor of a participation-based qualification system in all divisions for the World Championship Shows. An overwhelming number agreed that 4 events and 8 judges were the ideal scenario for the participation-based qualifying. Also at that time, the majority (56%) of respondents felt that both horse and rider should be required to qualify—although the final approved version requires only the horse to qualify.

Qualification Criteria:

1.All horses (Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred) must qualify to participate at the World Championship Paint Horse Shows. (See #5 for exceptions.) This is done by competing at four (4) different APHA-approved show events, with a minimum of eight (8) judges’ total during the qualifying period. Horses may be shown in any state, regardless of residence, to qualify—participation is the key. Example: A two-day, two-judge show held Saturday and Sunday counts as one show event. A four-judge POR counts as one show event. Two back-to-back two-judge shows count as two events total. In each case, the number of judges may be counted towards the minimum judge requirement. Special events held with APHA dual-approval (i.e. an NRHA reining with APHA dual-approval or NSBA classes with APHA dual-approval, etc.) count toward the qualification requirements. Paint Alternative Competition-approved events do not count toward qualification. Note: All owners must be APHA members at the time of the show in order for that show to count towards the show requirement for qualification.

2.Qualification Period: a. Summer World Show – qualifying period is from April 1 through March 31 of the World Show year. b. Fall World Show – qualifying period is from August 1 through July 31 of the World Show year.

3.Horses are not required to qualify in specific events in any division. Any qualified horse may be shown in any class at the World Show in any division in which they are eligible. Horses will show in their appropriate age division at the world shows, regardless of the qualifying division.

4.Exhibitors are not required to qualify. Any exhibitor may show any qualified horse in any class at the World Show in any division. Amateur and Youth eligibility and ownership rules apply.

5.Horses being shown in the following classes are not required to qualify due to time restraints and age of horse: • Weanling halter • Yearling halter • Yearling Longe Line and Yearling In-Hand Trail • 2-Year-Old performance classes • 3-Year-Old performance classes Note: Additional exceptions will be determined by zone, based on classes not offered during the qualifying year in the owner’s zone. Exemption will be granted to horses whose owners reside in that zone only in the classes that were not held. If a horse is qualified by the exemption, the horse must be entered in that class to be eligible to compete at the World Show. Example: roping, cutting, over fences, etc. in certain areas.

6.Specialty classes (including Youth Leadline, Parents Western Pleasure, Challenge, Sweepstakes, slots and futurity classes) do not require horse qualification to enter; although if regular classes are also to be entered, then the horse must qualify. At no time will the number of points or lack thereof be considered for qualification. Participation at APHA-approved shows is the only basis for qualification.

Additional questions about the participation-based World Show qualifying can be directed to the APHA Performance Department at (817) 834-2742 (817) 834-2742 , extension 773.

More about the American Paint Horse Association Since APHA was founded 48 years ago, it has registered nearly 1 million American Paint Horses at a rate of around 30,000 horses per year. The Association currently serves approximately 76,000 active members in 59 nations and territories. APHA works not only to record Paint Horse pedigrees, but also to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paint Horses. To learn more about APHA and becoming a member, contact the Association at (817) 834-2742 or visit apha.com.